CVE-2002-0264 in PowerFTP
Summary
by MITRE
PowerFTP Personal FTP Server 2.03 through 2.10 stores sensitive account information in plaintext in the ftpserver.ini file, which allows attackers with access to the file to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0264 represents a critical security flaw in PowerFTP Personal FTP Server versions 2.03 through 2.10 that stems from improper handling of authentication credentials. This issue falls under the category of insecure storage of sensitive information and aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive data through improper storage mechanisms. The vulnerability exists because the software stores user account credentials in plaintext format within the ftpserver.ini configuration file, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties who gain access to the system.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's configuration file management where user authentication details including usernames and passwords are written in readable format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. This design decision creates an attack surface where any local user with file system access can directly read the sensitive information contained within the ini file. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core authentication mechanism of the FTP server, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the system resources that the FTP server manages. The plaintext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a single point of failure for the entire authentication system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire FTP server infrastructure. Once an attacker gains access to the ftpserver.ini file, they can impersonate legitimate users and access files that those users have permission to view or modify. This access can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network if the FTP server is part of a larger network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects both local and potentially remote attackers who can access the configuration file through various means including direct file system access, backup file enumeration, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities that may provide file access. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps directly to the attack technique described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 - Phishing for Information, as attackers can exploit the plaintext storage to obtain credentials without requiring complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that properly encrypt or hash sensitive information within configuration files. Organizations should implement file system access controls to restrict access to the ftpserver.ini file, ensuring that only authorized system administrators can read the sensitive data. The implementation of proper access control lists and discretionary access controls can help limit who can access the configuration files. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security reviews of software applications to prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should establish policies requiring that sensitive information is never stored in plaintext format and that all authentication credentials are properly protected through encryption or hashing mechanisms. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems that may be storing sensitive information in insecure formats.